Local Business/In Brief

Located on the second level of the south concourse, The Keiki Playhouse offers a variety of play areas for children 2 to 12 years old, including an enchanted castle, pirate cove, veterinary clinic, grocery store, pizzeria and more, the center announced.

And there are keiki costumes, such as tutus, butterfly wings, superhero capes and other imaginary dress-up options available for purchase, along with light refreshments.

The playhouse was created to be a “fun, educational and safe keiki environment that encourages imaginary play and learning,” said Toni Rojas, the center’s marketing director.

It offers hourly and daily rates and numerous play packages, including “Drop and Shop” and “Date Night.” Rates start at $12 per child. A dedicated party room accommodates 60 guests and may feature food, beverages, crafts, cakes and character appearances.

The playhouse opened March 3.

For more information, visit queenkaahumanucenter.com or the center’s guest services desk.

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KBH, Plantation Inn both win accolades

The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel and its sister property, The Plantation Inn, have received top honors in Hawaii Magazine’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, according to an announcement.

The Ka’anapali Beach took three No. 1 rankings — “Best Maui Hotel or Resort with Aloha Spirit,”“Best Maui Hotel or Resort Staff” and “Best Maui Buffet.” After finishing second last year, the Plantation Inn earned the magazine’s top ranking for “Best Maui Bed & Breakfast or Inn.”

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Hau Lani Cafe gets cooking in Maui Mall

Hau Lani Cafe celebrated its grand opening last month at the Maui Mall.

It is located next to Color Nail Salon & Spa, near the fountain in the mall’s center courtyard.

For more information, visit haulanicafe.com/, www.facebook.com/haulanicafe/ or www.instagram.com/haulanicafe/?hl=en.

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Maui FCU celebrates 80 years in business

Maui Federal Credit Union held a social media raffle last month to celebrate its 80 years on Maui.

“This year is a milestone for us at Maui FCU,” said Clayton Fuchigami, president and chief executive officer. “To express our mahalo to our loyal members and to the supportive community in general, we want to show our gratitude with small tokens of appreciation and with other planned programs for the rest of the year.”

The credit union was established under a different name in 1938 by 28 Maui Pineapple Co. employees. The financial institution has diversified its membership and serves much of the Maui community with competitive rates and programs and family-friendly services.

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Fellowship program seeking applicants

The Omidyar Fellows is accepting applications for its sixth cohort of fellows.

The deadline is noon April 26.

Applications may be submitted to www.omidyarfellows.org.

Candidates will be selected based on their motivation and ability to make transformational change happen in Hawaii. The best candidates are mid-career leaders who have been entrepreneurial in their careers and “who have the experience and drive to be disrupters and transformative catalysts within organizational leadership and/or outside of formal roles,” an announcement says.

Founded in 2012, the program cultivates the conditions in which Hawaii thrives by equipping mid-career leaders with the skills and cross-sector relationships necessary to bring about societal change.

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Online retailer taps Maui Cookie Lady

GoldBely.com has picked up the gourmet cookie products of Mitzi Toro, owner of The Maui Cookie Lady, according to an announcement.

The New York-based online retailer has more than 320,000 subscribers and is famous for the sale of the country’s “most creative and delicious foods,” including site vendors Magnolia Bakery-NYC, Jacques Torres NYC and Cookie DO NYC, the announcement says.

The company finds locally sourced gourmet foods from around the country and delivers them to a customer’s doorstep with free shipping. Customers can sign up for subscriptions for periodic delivery of favorite foods.

Maui Cookie Lady is the first Valley Isle company to be selected for the Goldbely catalogue.

Toro said the deal came after months of negotiations and preparations.

“It’s challenging for small businesses, especially local artisan crafters, to scale up to big orders and to adapt to the technical distribution processes,” said Wayne Wong of the Small Business Development Center, Maui Office. “GoldBely.com is very exclusive yet Mitzi will now be exposed to their 320,000 subscribers over-night.”

Last summer, Toro’s company landed a floor spot at the luxurious Saks Fifth Avenue Waikiki, selling out its first shipment in a week.

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Shave ice company offers tax day treat

Kona Ice of Maui is offering free shave ice on April 17 to help residents “chill out” during the stressful deadline to submit income taxes for 2017, the company announced.

The shave ice trucks will be at Baldwin Beach Park in Paia from 2 to 4 p.m.

“With Tax Day right around the corner, many of us are reaching into our pockets to pay off Uncle Sam,” the announcement says. “To relieve taxpayers of the stress associated with meeting the federal deadline, Kona Ice will be hosting its fourth annual ‘Chill Out’ day.”

Free cups of shave ice will be given to all who stop by.

“The refreshing treat will ensure that there is no taxation without relaxation this tax season,” it says.

* Local Business in Brief is published on the second Monday of the month and welcomes news releases and announcements regarding businesses in Maui County. To submit material or for more information, contact citydesk@mauinews.com or (808) 242-6343.